The High Knob Virtual
Naturalist Rally 2021

The American chestnut was once a common and abundant tree species that occupied 200 million acres in the eastern hardwood forests of North America. The species had a cultural significance and was a keystone species, providing wildlife with food and habitat sources. Two non-native pathogens led to the chestnut's extirpation in the 20th century, but efforts are underway to conserve and restore this iconic tree. The USDA Forest Service, The University of Tennessee, and other partners showcase their research on the American chestnut, a species that was extirpated by a non-native pathogen that causes chestnut blight disease. Over 4,000 hybrid chestnuts that were bred for blight-resistance were planted on three national forests (including the George Washington and Jefferson NF) since 2009, and research is still ongoing. Provided by the US Forest Service Original Footage For Parts 1 & 2 Here: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/video/restoration-research-chestnut-1/ https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/video/restoration-research-chestnut-2/

Hemlock Woolly Adelgids are devastating the Eastern hemlocks. What are we doing to help save them? It seems the answer lies in a few different approaches - predator introductions, saving the genes, regrowing the species and using some chemical applications. Brought to you by the US Forest Service Original Link Here: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/video/hope-for-hemlocks/. #TCC #ClimateAction #HKNR

Seth Thompson and Wally Smith speak on the importance of elk in the local area, and discusses the various ways they've monitored the elk population. Original Video by Wally Smith here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFjWkERTOCE.

Research Wildlife Biologist Roger Perry describes the history, spread, and efforts to prevent white nose syndrome. This video is brought to you by the US Forest Service. Original Video From Forest Service: https://youtu.be/ouqT_Qc_2jk

Seth Thompson and Wally Smith discuss the importance of bears to local environments and ecosystems! Original Video by Wally Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIczow1E1uk.

Brought to you by Carol Doss, April Grace does an exercise where she evaluates the different levels of water pollution and its impact on the world around us.

David Hrivnak gets interviewed on why he drives a Tesla. Come watch David speak on sustainable energy in his live presentation "Driving to Net Zero" at our virtual High Knob Naturalist Rally on September 25th, 2021 at 5pm. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hd29s2t7SdG7vWWjlGgihg.

Learn the ins and outs of nature journaling with Diana Withen! Register for our live High Knob Naturalist Rally this Saturday, September 25th, at 9am! Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hd29s2t7SdG7vWWjlGgihg.

Register for TCC's live webinar starting tomorrow at 9am here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regis.... Adam discusses how to identify 9 deadly and/or poisonous fungi in eastern North America. Watch as he points out identifying characteristics and then discusses the chemical compounds present in the mushrooms and their symptoms of poisoning. Take the latin/greek binomials that you learn here (scientific names) and further your research online with websites like MushroomExpert, First-Nature, and Amanitaceae. More detailed information can be read at these sites. -----Music----- Down by Lee Martin Lee Martin: https://www.facebook.com/caveman1092 Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKkZNUkawek&t=0s